Manipur’s Naga students issue new blockade threat

The All Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM) that had blockaded Manipur economically has threatened an encore if talks with the Okra...

The All Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM) that had blockaded Manipur economically has threatened an encore if talks with the Okram Ibobi Singh Government do not start immediately.

The one-and-a-half month blockade was imposed on June 19 by Naga students protesting against the Ibobi Singh Government’s decision to observe June 18, coinciding with the Centre’s abortive 2001 attempt to extend the ceasefire with NSCN (I-M), as a “Naga integrity day”.

The blockade, which had the NSCN (I-M)’s full support, was lifted after the students were assured that the Manipur government would reconsider its decision and talk to them.

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However, Singh has refused to accept the students’ demand that talks be held either in Manipur’s Senapati district or in New Delhi. The Chief Minister today explained his stand to Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, reportedly saying that talking to the students in the capital would make it appear as though his government was buckling under pressure. Patil is said to have agreed with Singh’s line of thinking.

The Home Minister will meet Manipur Governor S S Sidhu tomorrow. In his earlier report to the ministry Sidhu had said the Singh government had acted irresponsibly in declaring June 18 as “integrity day”.

The Centre and the Manipur Government are reportedly thinking of appointing a representative to engage the students in New Delhi. Ministry officials confirmed the move but said no firm decision has yet been taken.

“The political implications of such a move are being evaluated,” a senior official said.

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